Milan–San Remo 2026, van der Poel warns: “It’s only a matter of time before Pogacar…”

Van der Poel arrives at the Classicissima in form

Milano–Sanremo 2026 is approaching and Mathieu van der Poel presents himself as the main candidate to succeed himself. A double stage winner at Tirreno–Adriatico, the Dutch rider from Alpecin–Deceuninck once again chose the Race of the Two Seas to fine-tune his condition ahead of Via Roma, confirming a now well-established approach to the Classicissima. “I don’t think there’s much more I can do. I feel good and I’ve had good preparation. I’m satisfied with my legs and with the feelings from this week, it’s everything I needed,” he told Sporza.

The favourites according to van der Poel: Ganna, Van Aert and the Pogacar question

At Milano–Sanremo 2026, van der Poel expects the usual battle between the well-known names. “Often it’s the same riders who play the leading role: like me, Wout van Aert and Filippo Ganna,” he explained. The big absentee — or rather, the big question mark — remains Tadej Pogacar, a rider who over the years has changed the tactical dynamics of the race but has not yet managed to win it. According to van der Poel, however, UAE and Pogacar have already shown they can shift the balance of the race towards the Capi: “In the past, you didn’t even have to start looking at the Cipressa. Tadej and UAE have definitely changed things.” Although he considers an early attack unlikely, he adds: “They once tried to make the race hard on the Capi, but they mostly exhausted themselves doing it. So I don’t believe it.”

Don’t miss: How much does Tadej Pogacar earn in 2026? A new record for the world champion

“It’s only a matter of time”

The most significant part of the world champion’s words comes when he is asked whether Pogacar will ever manage to win this race that seems to keep slipping away from him. The answer is clear and almost disarming: “Last year he was already very close. If I’m missing one percent, Tadej will go away on the Cipressa. It’s only a matter of time before he wins that race.” A rare concession from a champion aiming to defend his title, but one that better than any tactical analysis describes the level at which Pogacar operates when he is at one hundred percent.

FAQ

Who is the favourite for Milano–Sanremo 2026?
Mathieu van der Poel, already a two-time winner of the Classicissima, arrives in good form after Tirreno–Adriatico and remains the main contender.

Has Pogacar ever won Milano–Sanremo?
No, despite several attempts. Van der Poel believes, however, that Pogacar’s victory is only a matter of time.

When is Milano–Sanremo 2026 held?
Milano–Sanremo 2026 takes place on Saturday, March 21, starting in Pavia and finishing traditionally on Via Roma in Sanremo.

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